"I'll either come back after raising the Indian flag in victory or return wrapped in it, but I will come for sure."
One of the Late Captain Vikram Batra's quotes, that sums up the spirit of Bravehearts who fight at the border.
The Kargil war with Pakistan was something that truly revealed the zeal of Indian Army to protect the borders of its mother nation and so does the determination of the men wearing that olive green uniform. Captain Vikram Batra was one of the brave soldiers who laid down his life while serving the country. The name of the Sher Shah or the Indian Army legend, Late Captain Vikram Batra can't be forgotten. Every Indian know his name and about the life of this martyr. The unbelievable courage and the battlefield transcended heroism defines the solid character of Captain Vikram Batra.
It was July 26, 1999, when the Indian Armed Forces won a valiant and decisive war against Pakistan. Many brave young soldiers laid down their lives in the ferocious battle, defending their nation on the inhospitable battlefield of Kargil. With his exact spirit and attitude, Captain Vikram Batra kept motivating the men of his own battalion to keep fighting during the Kargil War.
It's been almost nineteen years since then, but the unparalleled courage and sacrifice of Kargil heroes are still afresh in the memory of every India. Many young Indian brave hearts of the army fought ferociously and died fearlessly.
To honour the sacrifice of the gallant soldier, a hall at Service Selection Centre Allahabad is named 'Vikram Batra Block'. Wikimedia Commons
Early life of Captain Vikram Batra
Captain Vikram Batra was born on September 9, 1974, in Himachal Pradesh. He spent his childhood in the beautiful mountain town of Palampur. His father, Girdhari Lal Batra was a government school teacher and principal. Interestingly, he was born as one of the twins. He was elder of twin sons as he was born 14 minutes before his brother Vishal.
Captain Vikram Batra was a brilliant student who was better known as an all-rounder at school. He was immensely popular among his classmates and teachers as he was also a keen sportsman and avid participant in co-curricular activities. He held a green belt holder in karate and played table tennis at the national level.
From the very beginning, he wanted to serve his country and hence he joined NCC (National Cadet Corps). Due to his diligence and determination, he was adjudged as the best NCC cadet of north India. After completing his Bachelor's degree in 1995, he decided to prepare for Combined Defense Services (CDS) examination. It was no surprise to his family as Captain Vikram Batra was always keen on joining the Army.
Captain Vikram Batra found his love in 1995 at Punjab University in Chandigarh. 'Dimple Cheema' was the Captain Vikram Batra's girlfriend during his college days. They stayed together for almost four years. Both of them had planned to get married if Vikram Batra would have returned from Kargil, but as it turned out, he never did.
India's former President, honourable K. R. Narayanan presenting the Param Vir Chakra posthumous to the father of Captain Vikram Batra 13 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles. Wikimedia Commons
Life facts of the Indian Army's daredevil will fill your heart will patriotism and valour. Have a look at some of them:
To honour the sacrifice of gallant soldier, many constructions and cantonments have been named after him such as a hall at Service Selection Centre Allahabad is named 'Vikram Batra Block', a residential area in the Jabalpur Cantonment is called 'Captain Vikram Batra Enclave' and the combined cadet's mess at the Indian Medical Association is named 'Vikram Batra Mess'.